Written by Cuban guitarist Miguel Matamoros, “Lágrimas Negras” – in English, “Black Tears” – received a hypnotic studio rendition by Bebo Valdés in the early tweens.

Although in the world of Latin jazz "Lágrimas Negras" has been extensively covered, a pianist of Valdés's caliber was able to breathe new life into it. Valdés in his own right, celebrated for bringing Afro-Cuban influence into the mainstream of jazz, won seven Grammys.